GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- I guess Matt Giraud and I have more in common than just "American Idol."

The Kalamazoo-based singer/songwriter and Season 8 finalist of "American Idol," was in Grand Rapids on Monday to promote his Friday concert at the Dogwood Performing Arts Center in Fremont.

His lunch appointment at HopCat ran a little late and he found a green envelop on his car. In GR, that's better known as a "parking ticket."

"I come out to lunch in Grand Rapids and this is how I get repaid," he joked with me.

I ran into Matt at City Hall right after paying my parking tickets. (It's the price you pay for working downtown!)

So, I showed Matt where he could pay his $20 parking fine.

While at City Hall, Matt also posed for pictures with fans, and took a moment to talk about his Friday concert.

The show, he said, will feature the Sweet J Band, a local group of guys which has jammed with off and on over the years. They also backed him when he made his first appearances back in West Michigan after his national exposure on "American Idol."

Matt finished in the Top 5 that season (in 2009), which was won by Kris Allen. He was the first contestant to be saved by the judges.

Matt said his concert will feature some familiar songs and new ones, too. He has been spending a lot of time in Nashville, writing new material.

"We're doing a big new show with all kinds of new music," he said. We're kind of keeping it fresh; this is my first time playing with the Sweet J Band since Christmas." (Listen to Christmas music here.)

He has fans coming in from all over the country, and many family members will be attending the show. (The show is at 7:30 p.m. Friday; tickets are $22.50. More info at dogwoodcenter.com.)

Matt will appear Tuesday on my "Going Gonzo" radio show, which airs at 1 p.m. weekdays on WJRW-AM (1340).